Being a brand new hearing aid owner, you're likely to be interested in the various accessories and add-ons that are available. In this article we provide an introduction to popular hearing aid accessories that you might be considering. We work with the needs of folks that wear hearing aids every day and can would suggest some of the following accessories or "add ons," regardless of which model or type of hearing aid you have.
The first thing you should think of is less an accessory than a necessity; stock up on batteries, because you are going to need them. Expect that disposable batteries will need to be replaced every 5 to 14 days.
A dehumidifier is optional, but a very good idea. The electronics in hearing aids are very susceptible to damage from moisture. Placing your hearing aid in the dehumidifier nightly when you are not wearing it will help keep it in good working condition. Cleaning kits are available to keep the exterior of your hearing aids clean. Ear wax filters help keep wax from accumulating on the aids when you are wearing them.
When it comes to options that can increase your use of and enjoyment of your aids, you should look into the Bluetooth compatibility options provided by the manufacturer of your hearing aid. Modern digital hearing aids can be configured to support the Bluetooth connection standard, and thus stream sound to your aids directly from compatible devices such as audio players, mobile phones, and televisions. The Bluetooth connection allows you to enjoy these devices without having to be very close to them or turn up the volume.
An alternative for people with analog hearing aids is using an FM system to relay TV and stereo sounds at a distance. You place the microphone and transmitter near the sound source and the receiver amplifier close to your hearing aid. Such FM systems don't cost very much, and may be useful if you share spaces with other people, because you don't have to turn up the volume on stereos or TVs such that everyday conversations become difficult to hear.
There are constantly new hearing aid accessories being introduced. If you have questions about these or any others, just ask. Having the right accessories will help you get greater enjoyment and use out of your hearing aid.
